The attackers entered a hotel and opened fire at a Kandahar police post. There were also suicide bombers involved, said a statement from NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). After first responders arrived at the scene, a car bomb detonated, resulting in more casualties.

The attacks killed 15 policemen, one Afghan soldier, a government security officer and two civlians. Nine children were wounded in the attacks, ISAF said.

Two of the suspected attackers were also killed, said Zalmay Ayoubi, spokesman for the Kandahar governor.